Presented by
Speaker – Associate Professor Loretta J. Ross

Loretta J. Ross is an activist, public intellectual, scholar, the 2022 recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" award and an Associate Professor at Smith College. She has a passion for innovating creative imagining about global human rights and social justice issues and started her career in activism and social change in the 1970s. In 1978, she was the third executive director for DC Rape Crisis Center, the first rape crisis center in the country. This was her entry point into the women’s movement where she learned about women’s human rights, reproductive justice, white supremacy, and women of color organizing. Through her organizing she helped launch the movement to end violence against women that has evolved into today's #MeToo movement. Throughout her 50-year career, she has worked with the National Football League Players' Association, the National Organization for Women (NOW), the National Black Women's Health Project, the Center for Democratic Renewal (National Anti-Klan Network), the National Center for Human Rights Education, and SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. Loretta retired as an organiser in 2012 to teach and follow her passion to educate. In 1996, she founded the first center in the U.S. to innovate creative human rights education for all students transforming social justice issues to be more collaborative and less divisive. In 2023, Loretta was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Abstract

With the rise of cancel culture, we often find ourselves embroiled in disagreements rather than focusing on our shared goal of advocating for human rights. To build solidarity in our work and communities, we must adopt a strategy that unites us and embraces our differences. In this transformative session, Loretta Ross introduces the powerful practice of “Calling In”—a compassionate alternative to canceling that emphasizes accountability, empathy, and connection. Through engaging storytelling and real-world insights, participants will explore how to navigate difficult conversations, foster deeper understanding across differences, and create more inclusive and resilient communities. Learn how to meet people where they are, while staying rooted in justice and shared humanity.

Date     
Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Time    
18:00 to 19:30 (SAST)

Format   
Hybrid

Platform   
Livestreamed on UCT social media platforms and in the New Lecture Theatre (New LT), Upper Campus